Mode of constructing matrices



UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIcE.

JOHN JOS OH. SMITH, OF COVINGTON, KENTUCKY,

MODE OF CONSTlRUCTlNG MATRICES, 80C.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 25,533, dated September 20, 1859.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN JOSEPH CHARLES SMITH, of Oovington, Kenton county, in the State of Kentucky, have invented a new and Improved Mode of Making Matrices or Molds for the ManufacturingofJewelry-Ware, as well as matrices or molds with counterparts for the pressing of figures in leather, paper, guttapercha, and metal, such as gold, silver, lead, tin, copper, &c., and seals with counterparts, thus doing away to a considerable extent with the mode of engraving.

This invention further possesses the capacity of producing types-in hardness equal to steel, and the entlre process of the alloy consists in a combination of seventeen parts of pure copper and seven parts of pure tin-block tin.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, 1 will proceed to describe its construction and operation.

For instance, to make a matrix' or mold for a piece of jewelry-say a breast-pin, with a portrait on it, or any other figure or representation-I make a copy of such pin by means of electrotypin g. This copy is then filled with alloy of equal parts of copper, tin, and antimony to resist any pressure on the part of the press. It is further attached to an iron plate by means of paste, so as to keep it from moving, and covered equally with lamp-black by suspending the copy over a burning tallow candle. The alloy of copper and tin to form the matrix is fitted into a wrought-iron or cast-iron collar or frame of the shape, which may be desired, of the matrix, so as to keep it from expanding when brought under the press. The metal inclosed by the collar or frame is then placed into a fire and left there until itis heated red-hot. Itis then taken out, placed over the prepared copy of any design, put under a screw or lever press which may be fit for that purpose, when a perfect impression will be obtained. Any copy of an original design may be used as a counterpart, or be employed to produce a number of more matrices or molds. By larger pieces of a deep engraving it becomes necessary to cast the said alloy of copper and tin first on the object of which a matrix is to be obtained, in order to receive partly an impression, thus rendering a future progress in pressing more ready and easy. It is necessary to cover the object of which a matrix is to be taken with lamp-black, so as to keep the same from uniting with the alloy when the press is applied. This is done by holding the figure desired over a burning tallow candle.

In the art of making seals the seal may be modeled in wax or other soft substances fit for such a purpose. A copy will then be obtained by electrotyping, otherwise the same mode of operation as already described will be observed.

The making of molds for taking impressions of figures on leather, paper, metal sheets, gutta-percha, 820., is accomplished in this manner: Take a copy of an original plate of fine engraving, on whatever material it may be. By electrotyping strengthen the copy in the mode already stated. Then take the plate of the alloy of copper and tin already cast in the desired shape and size, bound by a frame or collar, make it red-hot, place the same on the object from which it is to receive an impression, apply the press, and the mold-plate is ready.

To make types for printing of said alloy of copper and tin, take a plate of steel, with a certain number of square holes of the size that the type is to be. Under this plate place another plate with letter-matrices corresponding with the number of holes of the upper plate. These two plates are bound by a wrought-iron frame, which is to extend one inch or more above the surface of the top plate. Upon this surface a plate of the said alloy, which must be red-hot, is laid and forced by means of a lever-press into the above-men'- tioned holes and upon the letter matrices, when a perfect impression will follow. When cold the type can be readily taken out of the mold.

What I claim as my invention, and what I desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The discovery of rendering a composition or alloy of copper and tin pliable, and in such a state as to admit of an easy impression of any figure or design on or in metal, whether engraved or produced by means of electrotyping, as a copy of any figure, design, or object, thus yielding a perfect matrix or mold and this process [further claim as my invention in connection with the manufacturing of types of the alloy of copper and tin, and as already aforesaid described, and which will and shall produce the intended effect.

JOHN JOS. OH. SMITH.

Witnesses:

Gnone SoHNELL, GHAs. WALTER. 

